Auckland recruits graduating this week

Twenty-one new constables, who have done all their police training in Auckland, will graduate at a ceremony in the Vodafone Events Centre on Thursday.

After 19 weeks of intensive training, our brand new Auckland-based recruits are ready to join the three Auckland police districts and work on the frontline.

This is the second cohort to be trained in TÄmaki Makaurau as part of a non-residential course.

This means they have been able to live at home during their training instead of moving to and training at the Royal New Zealand Police College in Porirua, Wellington.

Two of our new officers are successful powerlifters.

Constable Barbra Auva’a is the current New Zealand powerlifting U72 open champion, and holds the record for New Zealand and Oceania in the squat (185kg) and the deadlift (201kg), while Constable Manutu’ufanga (known as Siuea) Cocker has also represented New Zealand in both powerlifting and Strongman sports.

Constable Auva’a says she’s joined police to help New Zealand’s young people.

"I want to give hope to kids out there that there is a chance for them to have a better life.

I want to help people and keep our community safe.

Our community is our extended family, and family is the most important thing in my life."

Constable Auva’a has been awarded the Firearms Award for firearms skills and safe practices.

Constable Cocker has used powerlifting to inspire and motivate women, particularly Pasifika women.

As a police officer she wants to continue to be a positive influence.

"I have lived in a low socio-economic neighbourhood all my life and have witnessed the struggles.

I believe I will be able to establish positive relationships and gain trust within those harder to reach communities."

Constable Alexandra Mills has topped the course, gaining the Minister’s Award for first in wing.

She says she has always had a passion for criminal justice and an interest in policing.

Before joining Police, Constable Mills worked as a criminal defence lawyer, which she describes as an eye-opening experience.

"Practising as a criminal lawyer opened my eyes to the realities some people face.

Being exposed to this inspired me to join Police to help make a positive change for my community."

From community patrol to Police, Constable Feng Shi says he was inspired to join police through working with them as a North Shore community patroller.

"I was inspired by their devotion and professionalism and I love that the organisation works hard to make our community safer and better every day."